President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaians to place their trust in the Electoral Commission (EC) as the nation gears up for the December 7 general elections. Addressing the nation on the eve of the polls, he expressed confidence in the EC’s ability to uphold Ghana’s democratic principles through a transparent electoral process.
Confidence in the EC
“We have good reason to be proud of the Electoral Commission, the body that is charged with running our elections. Today, it is a much more efficient and transparent institution that we are all ready to entrust with the responsibility of delivering a free, fair, and transparent election that will truly reflect the will of the people,” the President stated.
He also urged citizens to cooperate with electoral officials to ensure a smooth and credible election process. “I urge all of us to cooperate with the electoral officials to do their work and ensure that we can all be proud of having added another notch to the list of successful elections we have held.”
A Crucial Moment in Ghana’s Democracy
This election marks the ninth under Ghana’s Fourth Republic and is seen as a defining moment in the country’s political history. The presidential race is a contest between Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The stakes are high, with economic challenges such as post-pandemic recovery, inflation, high unemployment, and public debt forming the backdrop to the election.
Competing Campaign Narratives
The NPP, led by Dr. Bawumia, has emphasized its achievements in digitalization, economic reforms, and infrastructure development. In contrast, the NDC has focused on job creation, reducing socioeconomic inequalities, and rebuilding Ghana’s infrastructure.
Both parties are vying not only for the presidency but also for control of the 275 parliamentary seats, which will shape the policy direction of the next government.
A Call for Unity and Peace
President Akufo-Addo’s address also served as a reminder of the importance of unity and peace during the electoral process. With Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa, the successful conduct of the 2024 elections will reinforce its democratic legacy and set the stage for addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation.
